Traffic Engineering
Work Zone Safety | HSIP Application/Procedure update | Traffic Engineering memoranda | MUTCD and Virginia Supplement
Work Zone Survey
Work Zone Safety
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is committed to maintaining the safest possible work zones.
We do this by:
- Developing highway safety policies, standards and guidelines related to work zone safety
- Providing technical guidance, best practices and advice to work zone inquiries from internal and external customers
- Interpreting federal and state regulations and requirements
The Work Zone Safety staff is responsible for developing and issuing the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual, the Work Zone Safety Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Control pocket guide, and other work zone-related material.
We also manage the VDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Training Program and the Virginia Flagger Certification program as well as coordinate Work Zone Awareness Week.
VDOT Work Zone Safety materials can be found here at the ATSSA web site.
VDOT Flagger Training Video and Revised Flagger Training Materials – VDOT has developed a new flagger training video and has revised the flagger training materials.
The new flagger training video can be found on YouTube: VDOT: Flagger Training.
The video replaces the flagger certification training video which was produced by VDOT in 2007.
Revised flagger training material based on the new video is available from ATSSA. Use this order form.
The material replaces the 2009 flagger training material.
We encourage you to view the new flagger training video so you can apply its information in the field.
When your current flagger certification expires, the new material shall be used to become re-certified in flagging.
A certified flagger may proctor the flagger training for their company. A flagger candidate must watch the training video, review the material and successfully pass a test.
Inquiries on becoming a certified flagger for your company can be e-mailed to TEWorkZoneSafety@vdot.virginia.gov.
IIM-TE 345.1: Work Zone Traffic Control Training Procedures - See the procedures below under Work Zone Traffic Control Training Requirements.
- Ten definitions: Clarifies the responsibilities of VDOT, the Instructor and the training sponsors and providers
- Work zone traffic control exemptions for workers who perform permitted operations such as residential cable installation, Miss Utility marking, and utility pole inspection
- Updates roles for workers who need intermediate work zone traffic control training
- Work zone training for law enforcement officers and other roles who require such training
- Updated Table 5.1 work zone traffic control training requirements
- Added trainee prerequisites: Prefer that Basic Work Zone Traffic Control Training be taken for new workers entering the work zone field; Intermediate WZTCT at two years of field experience or passing of Basic WZTCT, Advance WZTCT for levels of roadway, bridge or traffic control plan development.
- Training instructor due diligence to trainees
- Periodic evaluation and course update – Instructor must check / monitor OutsideVDOT extranet for updates before their classes
- Acceptance of another state's Work Zone Safety Training – When VDOT accepts another state’s training, it will issue a temporary verification card that expires in one year. The trainee must take Virginia’s WZTCT prior to the card expiring.
- Failure to perform proper temporary traffic control procedures which provides corrective actions necessary to remove someone's Work Zone Traffic Control Training card
VDOT Work Area Protection Manual and Pocket Guide
2011 WAPM Frequently asked questions
2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (Revision 2.1)
The 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual with Revision 2.1 contains the most current standards, guidance, options, and support for the design, application, and placement of Temporary Traffic Control Devices on roadways in Virginia during construction, maintenance, utility, permit and emergency operations.
Revision 2.1 clarifies questions raised since the 2011 WAPM with Revision 2 was issued, contains information for compliance to the MUTCD standards and provides some additional typical traffic control updates recommended by field personnel.
Revision 2.1 of the 2011 Work Area Protection Manual will take effect for VDOT daily operations on or after July 1, 2021, and for projects advertised on or after November 1, 2021.
The PDF version of Revision 2.1 is the most current edition of the official VDOT publication.
The replacement pages for Revision 2.1 of the 2011 WAPM may be printed to update an existing paper copy of the Revision 2 of the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual: Replacement pages
Copies of the 2011 WAPM with Revision 2.1 may be ordered from the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA).
2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (Revision 2)
Revision 2 clarifies questions raised since the 2011 WAPM with Revision 1 was issued, contains information for compliance to the MUTCD standards and provides some additional typical traffic control layouts recommended by field personnel.
The PDF version of Revision 2 is the most current edition of the official VDOT publication. The 2011 WAPM with Revision 2 can be found on the link below. To access a chapter, click on its listing in the table of contents.
The technical changes shown in Revision 2 to the 2011 Work Area Protection Manual can be found here.
Significant changes shown in Revision 2 to the 2011 Work Area Protection Manual can found in this PowerPoint presentation:
Other facts to note about Revision 2:
- The 2011 Work Area Protection Manual with Revision 2 takes effect for VDOT daily operations after August 31, 2019, and for projects advertised after January 1, 2020.
- The 2011 Work Area Protection Manual with Revision 1 continues to be in effect for projects advertised between July 1, 2015 and January 1, 2020.
- The 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual without Revision 1 continues to be in effect for projects advertised before July 1, 2015.
2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (Revision 1)
The 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual with Revision 1 contains the most current standards, guidance, options, and support for the design, application, and placement of Temporary Traffic Control Devices on roadways in Virginia during construction, maintenance, utility, permit and emergency operations.
Revision 1 clarifies questions raised since the 2011 WAPM was issued, contains information for compliance to MUTCD standards and provides some additional typical traffic control layouts recommended by field personnel.
The PDF version of Revision 1 is the most current edition of the official VDOT publication. The 2011 WAPM with Revision 1 can be found on the link below. To access a chapter, click on its listing in the table of contents.
2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual – Revision 1
Note: Revision 1a to Appendix A of the manual related to the application of Temporary Barrier Service Concrete (TBSC) has been completed. The revised Appendix A is below. Replace the April 2015 Appendix A Revision 1 with the October 2015 Revision 1a.
2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual – Appendix A – Revision 1a
In January 2015, Revision 1 to the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual was approved. Revision 1 becomes effective April 1, 2015, for daily operations. Revision 1 becomes effective July. 1, 2015, for projects bid on or after July 1, 2015.
The following document lists the technical changes shown in Revision 1 to the 2011 Work Area Protection Manual:
Technical changes in Revision 1 of the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual
Below is a PowerPoint presentation listing the changes shown in Revision 1 to the 2011 Work Area Protection Manual:
Review of significant revisions to the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual
The replacement pages for Revision 1 of the 2011 WAPM may be printed to update an existing paper copy of the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual:
The complete Revision 1 to the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual may be downloaded:
Revision 1 of the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection manual
An April 2015 Work Zone Safety Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Control pocket guide, reflecting the changes in the Revision to the 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual, can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
Revised April 2015 Work Zone Safety Guideline
The 2011 Virginia Work Area Protection Manual without Revision 1 continues to be in effect for daily operations prior to April 1, 2015, and for projects advertised before July 1, 2015.
VDOT Work Zone Pedestrian and Bicycle Guidance
The VDOT Work Zone Pedestrian and Bicycle Guidance document provides practitioners with information for temporary traffic control to assistance pedestrians, bicyclists and persons with disabilities a recommended route for the safe and effective movement through a work area. Examples of various applications, including applications meeting current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, are illustrated.
A companion document, ADA Product Manufacturers, has been developed to assist practitioners. This document lists products that the manufacturer has advertised as ADA compliant. It is not a VDOT-approved products list for these devices.
Learn More On YouTube
The following work zone safety videos on YouTube may be used for safety talks or meetings: 2010 Work Zone Safety playlist
Compliance with FHWA Rule on Work Zone Safety And Mobility (Transportation Management Plan Requirements)
VDOT has implemented Transportation Management Plan (TMP) requirements to meet federal regulations on work zone safety and mobility, as published in 23 CFR Part 630J.
The following documents provides information and guidance on requirements for personnel involved in the planning, designing, supervising, implementation, inspection, maintenance and review of transportation management plans for work zone traffic control.
- Instructional and Informational Memorandum IIM-LD-241/TED-351 contains information, procedures and guidance on the development and implementation of project specific transportation management plans.
- The TMP design checklist assists designers to ensure that all applicable work zone elements have been captured during the design phases.
- The TMP post-construction report is used to provide an analysis of a project’s transportation management plan. The report is required to be submitted to the state traffic engineer at the conclusion of construction. The report may be submitted during construction as required by IIM-LD-241/TED-351.
Work Zone Traffic Control Training Requirements
VDOT has implemented work zone traffic control training requirements to meet federal regulations on Work Zone Safety and Mobility as noted in 23 CFR Part 630J.
The following provides information on training requirements for personnel involved in the planning, designing, supervising, implementation, inspection and maintenance of work zone traffic control. It also provides information for individuals and organizations on developing and/or providing work zone traffic control training courses.
Only persons completing approved work zone traffic control training courses and possessing the appropriate valid and verifiable accreditation card will be allowed to oversee temporary traffic control activities within the Commonwealth of Virginia state highway system right of way.
To request the most current edition of the List of Approved Work Zone Traffic Control Training Instructors or the List of WZTC-Trained Personnel please email TEWORKZONESAFETY@VDOT.
PDFs 
- The Work Zone Traffic Control Training Procedures (164 KB) contains information on specific personnel training requirements, submittal / approval of sponsor / provider course(s) and instructor qualifications
- Work Zone Traffic Control Training instructor application form (64 KB)
Training Links
Straight Path Consulting training classes
Traffic Signals Plus Work Zone Traffic Control Training class schedule
U.Va. - Transportation Training Academy Work Zone Traffic Control Training class schedule
Hampton Roads Utility and Heavy Contractors Association VDOT Work Zone Training
Community College Work Force Alliance VDOT Training
How to Begin a Flagger Certification Program for Your Company
- You must be a certified flagger to administer the program for your company.
- To become a certified flagger, contact a Work Zone Safety coordinator, who will administer the free certification process to you and one additional person.
- The coordinator will make an appointment for you to visit their office to review the basic flagger training video and handout information and take the flagging certification test.
- The coordinator will proctor a 25-question test (a passing grade is 80 percent) and answer any questions you have.
- After receiving your flagger certification card, complete an order form to purchase a flagger certification kit. Orders will be processed within 10 business days of receipt.
- Once you receive the flagger certification kit, you can begin your company's program. You must retain the bottom portion of the employee’s flagger certification card and the flagging certification test answer sheet for your company’s records.
Law Enforcement Officer Training
Work Zone Crash Facts
The Traffic Engineering Division, through the Virginia Transportation Research Council, reviewed five years of work zone crash data to track trends from both a statewide and a VDOT district perspective.
The 2011-2015 Virginia Work Zone Crash Facts 
(PDF, 3.5 MB) report provides a comprehensive overview of traffic crashes occurring in work zones throughout the commonwealth.